The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has directed Kano Pillars, Barau FC, and Abia Warriors to carry out urgent upgrades on their respective home stadiums or risk being forced to play at neutral venues.
Kano Pillars and Barau FC currently share the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, while Abia Warriors host their games at the Umuahia Township Stadium. According to the NPFL, both facilities fall short of broadcast and competition standards.
The NPFL specifically pointed out the need to improve the playing surface, renovate the dressing rooms, upgrade the technical benches, and install standard floodlights. It stressed that clubs that fail to comply will not be allowed to continue hosting matches in their current grounds.
“The Umuahia Township Stadium, in particular, is deemed unfit and falls short of acceptable television standards. The ground lacks proper maintenance, and immediate steps must be taken,” the NPFL said in a statement.
The warning comes just days after Abia Warriors defeated Kano Pillars 1-0 at the same Umuahia venue in their opening fixture of the 2025/26 season.
Meanwhile, Barau FC were left frustrated in their debut NPFL outing after being held to a goalless draw by Enyimba at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Head coach Ladan Bosso admitted his side deserved more, saying, “We deserved to win this match because our players gave their best.”
Other matchday one results saw Wikki Tourists edge Plateau United 1-0 in Bauchi, El-Kanemi Warriors record a convincing 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance in Maiduguri, and Remo Stars settle for a 1-1 draw with Rivers United.
Niger Tornadoes, who are yet to resolve their home ground situation after their Minna base failed inspection, will begin their campaign against Nasarawa United in Ilorin before possibly moving to Lafia.
The post NPFL Orders Kano Pillars, Barau FC, Abia Warriors To Upgrade Home Grounds appeared first on Naija News.
